For this photo shoot I went to RAF Maghaberry, used by the RAF and then United States Army Air Force for various military roles. In 1976 large proportion of the airfield was turned into a maximum-security prison. http://www.livinglegacies1914-18.ac.uk/HostedSites/RAF100CommemorateEducateInspire/RAFAirfields/Maghaberry/Maghaberry-SiteDescription/
As with all recces I start by doing a 360 degree drive around the site (if possible), to see if I can find any buildings myself. I already know what type of buildings I’m trying to find because I always refer to Living Legacies website (see link above) or http://www.ww2ni.com/countyantrimairfields.htm However, these websites don’t really tell me exactly where to find them and sometimes it’s hard to see from the aerial imagery. So a recce before is always handy but If I find what I’m looking for straight away and the weather is right then that’s a Brucie bonus.
Fascinating site, from one side of the road you can make out a large solar power farm. In amongst these solar panels are 2 buildings they just seem to poke out, they haven’t been dismantled just left there. The area was locked up, but I will investigate for my FMP as with this WIP I am more concerned with capturing the landscape from further away, to see how the past and present intertwines with each other. I also found 2 hangars, shooting range and one other building (not sure what it is but has the recognisable red bricks and I will check site plans if it is original). I’m happy with these images and I think some of these will make my WIP for this module.
Critical Research Journal 